Rhodium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Cycloisomerization to Cyclohexenes Bearing Quaternary Carbon Centers

Rhodium-Catalyzed Asymmetric C-H Functionalization Reactions

This review summarizes the advancements in rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric C-H functionalization reactions during the last two decades. Parallel to the rapidly developed palladium catalysis, rhodium catalysis has attracted extensive attention because of its unique reactivity and selectivity in asymmetric C-H functionalization reactions. In recent years, Rh-catalyzed asymmetric C-H functionalization reactions have been significantly developed in many respects, including catalyst design, reaction development, mechanistic investigation, and application in the synthesis of complex functional molecules. This review presents an explicit outline of catalysts and ligands, mechanism, the scope of coupling reagents, and applications.

Stereoselective Synthesis of Trisubstituted Alkenes via Copper Hydride-Catalyzed Alkyne Hydroalkylation

Alkenes are ubiquitous in organic chemistry, yet many classes of alkenes remain challenging to access by current synthetic methodology. Herein, we report a copper hydride-catalyzed approach for the synthesis of Z-configured trisubstituted alkenes with high stereo- and regioselectivity via alkyne hydroalkylation. A DTBM-dppf-supported Cu catalyst was found to be optimal, providing a substantial increase in product yield compared to reactions conducted with dppf as the ligand. DFT calculations show that the DTBM substitution leads to the acceleration of alkyne hydrocupration through combined ground and transition state effects related to preventing catalyst dimerization and enhancing catalyst-substrate dispersion interactions, respectively. Alkyne hydroalkylation was successfully demonstrated with methyl and larger alkyl tosylate electrophiles to produce a variety of (hetero)aryl-substituted alkenes in moderate to high yields with complete selectivity for the Z stereochemically configured products. In the formation of the key C-C bond, computational studies revealed a direct SN2 pathway for alkylation of the vinylcopper intermediate with in situ-formed alkyl iodides.

Phosphine Oxide-Promoted Rh(I)-Catalyzed C-H Cyclization of Benzimidazoles with Alkenes

Ligands play a critical role in promoting transition-metal-catalyzed C-H activation reactions. However, owing to high sensitivity of the reactivity of C-H activation to metal catalysts, the development of effective ligands has been a formidable challenge in the field. Rh(I)-catalyzed C-H cyclization of benzimidazoles with alkenes has been faced with low reactivity, often requiring very harsh conditions. To address this challenge, a phosphine oxide-enabled Rh(I)-Al bimetallic catalyst was developed for the reaction, significantly promoting the reactivity and allowing the reaction to run at 120 °C with up to 97% yield.

Catalytic Desymmetric Dicarbofunctionalization of Unactivated Alkenes

The construction of multi-stereocenters by a transition metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction is a major challenge. The catalytic desymmetric functionalization of unactivated alkenes remains largely unexplored. Herein, we disclose -a desymmetric dicarbofunctionalization of 1,6-dienes via a nickel-catalyzed reductive cross-coupling reaction. The leverage of the underdeveloped chiral 8-Quinox enables the Ni-catalyzed desymmetric carbamoylalkylation of both unactivated mono- and disubstituted alkenes to form pyrrolidinone bearing two nonadjacent stereogenic centers in high enantio- and stereoselectivitives with broad functional-group tolerance. The synthetic application of pyrrolidinones allows the rapid access to complex chiral fused-heterocycles.

Ligand-Controlled Palladium-Catalyzed Asymmetric [4+3] and [2+3] Annulation Reactions of Spirovinylcyclopropyl Oxindoles with o-Quinone Methides

We herein report regiodivergent ligand-controlled palladium-catalyzed asymmetric cycloaddition reactions between spirovinylcyclopropyl oxindoles and o-quinone methides. Specifically, by using the chiral P,P-ligand Segphos (L5), we obtained various spirooxindole-3,4-benzo[b]oxepanes in moderate to good yields with excellent enantioselectivities via [4+3] cycloaddition reactions. In contrast, reactions involving Trost's ligand (L7) showed different regio- and stereoselectivities, affording bispirooxindole heterocyclic compounds in good yields via [2+3] cycloaddition reactions.

Diastereo- and enantioselective rhodium(III)-catalyzed reductive cyclization of cyclohexadienone-containing 1,6-dienes

A diastereo- and enantioselective rhodium(III)-catalyzed reductive cyclization of cyclohexadienone-tethered terminal alkenes and (E)-1,2-disubstituted alkenes (1,6-dienes) is reported, providing cis-bicyclic products bearing three contiguous stereocenters with good yields and high diastereo- and enantioselectivities. The kinetic resolution of the racemic precursor is also achieved with good efficiency. Moreover, a subgram-scale experiment, several transformations of the cyclization product, and one-pot preparation of bridged polycyclic frameworks are presented.

Highly Diastereoselective Hydrosilane-Assisted Rhodium-Catalyzed Spiro-Type Cycloisomerization of Succinimide and Pyrazolone-Based Functional 1,6-Dienes

Organosilicon compounds are important reagents and synthetic intermediates that play a key role in the construction of new materials and complex products. Here we show a highly diastereoselective rhodium-catalyzed cycloisomerization of 1,6-dienes, in which the use of (EtO)₃ SiH accelerates the intramolecular cyclization reaction to afford a novel spiro-fused succinimide and pyrazolone derivatives in moderate to excellent yields as a single diastereoisomer. The proposed mechanism involves an active Rh-H species from the hydrosilane that is the H-donor in this spiro-type cycloisomerization reaction.

Nickel-Catalyzed Desymmetrizing Cyclization of 1,6-Dienes to Construct Quaternary Stereocenters

A highly enantioselective and diastereoselective nickel-catalyzed desymmetrizing cyclization of 1,6-dienes was developed by using chiral spiro phosphoramidite ligands. The reaction provides a new atom- and step-economical approach to chiral spiro lactones and analogues bearing a quaternary stereocenter.

Enantioselective Hydrothiolation: Diverging Cyclopropenes through Ligand Control

In this article, we advance Rh-catalyzed hydrothiolation through the divergent reactivity of cyclopropenes. Cyclopropenes undergo hydrothiolation to provide cyclopropyl sulfides or allylic sulfides. The choice of bisphosphine ligand dictates whether the pathway involves ring-retention or ring-opening. Mechanistic studies reveal the origin for this switchable selectivity. Our results suggest the two pathways share a common cyclopropyl-Rh(III) intermediate. Electron-rich Josiphos ligands promote direct reductive elimination from this intermediate to afford cyclopropyl sulfides in high enantio- and diastereoselectivities. Alternatively, atropisomeric ligands (such as DTBM-BINAP) enable ring-opening from the cyclopropyl-Rh(III) intermediate to generate allylic sulfides with high enantio- and regiocontrol.

Ligand-Controlled, Palladium-Catalyzed Asymmetric [4+4] and [2+4] Cycloadditions

Ligand-controlled, palladium-catalyzed asymmetric [4+4] and [2+4] cycloaddition reactions of benzofuran-derived azadienes have been developed. Taking advantage of chiral P,N-ligand (S,R_p)-PPFA, we obtained a variety of benzofuro[2,3-c][1,5] oxazocines in good yields with excellent enantioselectivities via [4+4] cycloaddition reactions. Employing chiral P,P-ligand (S)-Cl-MeO-BIPHEP, the chemo- and regioselectivities were switched to synthesize tetrahydropyran-fused spirocyclic compounds in good efficiency via [2+4] cycloaddition reactions.

Teaching Aldehydes New Tricks Using Rhodium- and Cobalt-Hydride Catalysis

By using transition metal catalysts, chemists have altered the "logic of chemical synthesis" by enabling the functionalization of carbon-hydrogen bonds, which have traditionally been considered inert. Within this framework, our laboratory has been fascinated by the potential for aldehyde C-H bond activation. Our approach focused on generating acyl-metal-hydrides by oxidative addition of the formyl C-H bond, which is an elementary step first validated by Tsuji in 1965. In this Account, we review our efforts to overcome limitations in hydroacylation. Initial studies resulted in new variants of hydroacylation and ultimately spurred the development of related transformations (e.g., carboacylation, cycloisomerization, and transfer hydroformylation).Sakai and co-workers demonstrated the first hydroacylation of olefins when they reported that 4-pentenals cyclized to cyclopentanones, using stoichiometric amounts of Wilkinson's catalyst. This discovery sparked significant interest in hydroacylation, especially for the enantioselective and catalytic construction of cyclopentanones. Our research focused on expanding the asymmetric variants to access medium-sized rings (e.g., seven- and eight-membered rings). In addition, we achieved selective intermolecular couplings by incorporating directing groups onto the olefin partner. Along the way, we identified Rh and Co catalysts that transform dienyl aldehydes into a variety of unique carbocycles, such as cyclopentanones, bicyclic ketones, cyclohexenyl aldehydes, and cyclobutanones. Building on the insights gained from olefin hydroacylation, we demonstrated the first highly enantioselective hydroacylation of carbonyls. For example, we demonstrated that ketoaldehydes can cyclize to form lactones with high regio- and enantioselectivity. Following these reports, we reported the first intermolecular example that occurs with high stereocontrol. Ketoamides undergo intermolecular carbonyl hydroacylation to furnish α-acyloxyamides that contain a depsipeptide linkage.Finally, we describe how the key acyl-metal-hydride species can be diverted to achieve a C-C bond-cleaving process. Transfer hydroformylation enables the preparation of olefins from aldehydes by a dehomologation mechanism. Release of ring strain in the olefin acceptor offers a driving force for the isodesmic transfer of CO and H₂. Mechanistic studies suggest that the counterion serves as a proton-shuttle to enable transfer hydroformylation. Collectively, our studies showcase how transition metal catalysis can transform a common functional group, in this case aldehydes, into structurally distinct motifs. Fine-tuning the coordination sphere of an acyl-metal-hydride species can promote C-C and C-O bond-forming reactions, as well as C-C bond-cleaving processes.

Enantioselective Cobalt-Catalyzed Intermolecular Hydroacylation of 1,6-Enynes

We report a cobalt-catalyzed hydroacylation of 1,6-enynes with exogenous aldehydes in a domino sequence to construct enantioenriched ketones. The products were obtained in good yields with excellent regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselectivity. Furthermore, the chiral products served as valuable precursors to access complex spirocyclic scaffolds with three contiguous stereocenters. The asymmetric hydroacylation process exhibited no C-H crossover and no KIE, thus indicating that the C-H bond cleavage was not involved in the turnover-limiting step.

Highly Enantioselective Nickel-Catalyzed Intramolecular Hydroalkenylation of N- and O-Tethered 1,6-Dienes To Form Six-Membered Heterocycles

A highly enantioselective nickel-catalyzed intramolecular hydroalkenylation of N- or O-tethered 1,6-dienes was developed by using monodentate chiral spiro phosphoramidite ligands. The reaction provides an efficient and straightforward method for preparing very useful six-membered N- and O-heterocycles with high regioselectivity as well as excellent stereoselectivity from easily accessible starting materials under mild reaction conditions. The chiral spiro nickel catalyst developed in this study represents one of the few catalysts for highly enantioselective cyclization of unconjugated dienes.

One-Pot Synthesis of Deuterated Aldehydes from Arylmethyl Halides

A facile, one-pot approach for synthesizing deuterated aldehydes from arylmethyl halides was developed using D₂O as the deuterium source. The efficient process is realized by a sequence of formation, H/D exchange, and oxidation of pyridinium salt intermediates. The mild and air-compatible reaction conditions enable efficient synthesis of diverse deuterated aldehydes with high deuterium incorporation.

Highly Diastereoselective Palladium-Catalyzed Oxidative Carbocyclization of Enallenes Assisted by a Weakly Coordinating Hydroxyl Group

A highly diastereoselective palladium-catalyzed oxidative carbocyclization-borylation of enallenes assisted by a weakly coordinating hydroxyl group was developed. The reaction afforded functionalized cyclohexenol derivatives, in which the 1,3-relative stereochemistry is controlled (d.r. > 50:1). Other weakly coordinating oxygen-containing groups (ketone, alkoxide, acetate) also assisted the carbocyclization toward cyclohexenes. The reaction proceeds via a ligand exchange on Pd of the weakly coordinating group with a distant olefin group. The high diastereoselectivity of the hydroxyl-directed reaction could be rationalized by a face-selective coordination of the distant olefin. It was demonstrated that the primary coordination of the close-by oxygen-containing functionality was necessary for the reaction to occur and removal of this functionality shut down the reaction.

Organocatalytic sulfa-Michael/aldol cascade: constructing functionalized 2,5-dihydrothiophenes bearing a quaternary carbon stereocenter

A practical sulfa-Michael/aldol cascade reaction of 1,4-dithiane-2,5-diol and α-aryl-β-nitroacrylates has been developed, which allows efficient access to functionalized 2,5-dihydrothiophenes bearing a quaternary carbon stereocenter in moderate to good yields with high enantioselectivities.

A sulfa-Michael/aldol cascade reaction of 1,4-dithiane-2,5-diol and α-aryl-β-nitroacrylate has been developed, which allows access to 2,5-dihydrothiophenes bearing a quaternary carbon center in moderate to good yields with high enantioselectivities.

Cobalt Catalysis for Enantioselective Cyclobutanone Construction

Over the past 40 years, intramolecular hydroacylation has favored five-membered rings, in preference to four membered rings. Herein, we report a catalyst derived from earth-abundant cobalt that enables preparation of cyclobutanones, with excellent regio-, diastereo-, and enantiocontrol, under mild conditions (2 mol % catalyst loading and as low as 50 °C).

Selective construction of quaternary stereocentres in radical cyclisation cascades triggered by electron-transfer reduction of amide-type carbonyls

Radical cyclisation cascades triggered by electron-transfer to amide-type carbonyls using SmI₂–H₂O–LiBr, result in the selective construction of quaternary carbon stereocentres.

Highly selective olefin-assisted palladium-catalyzed oxidative carbocyclization via remote olefin insertion

A highly selective olefin-assisted palladium-catalyzed oxidative carbocyclization via remote olefin insertion to afford cyclohexenes has been developed. It was shown that the assisting olefin moiety was indispensable for the formation of the cyclohexene product. Furthermore, preliminary studies on chiral anion-induced asymmetrical carbocyclization-borylation of enallenes have been carried out.

Synthesis and applications of rhodacyclopentanones derived from C-C bond activation

Rhodacyclopentanones, an "sp(3)-rich" class of metallacycle, underpin an emerging range of catalytic methodologies for the direct generation of complex scaffolds. This review highlights strategies for accessing rhodacyclopentanones (and related species) by C-C bond activation of cyclobutanones or cyclopropanes. The scope and mechanism of methodologies that exploit these activation modes is outlined.

Palladium-Catalyzed Ortho-Arylation of Carbamate-Protected Estrogens

The palladium-catalyzed ortho-arylation of diethyl carbamate-protected estrone and estriol with aryl iodides gives the 2-arylated analogues. Subsequent removal of the carbamate directing group furnishes 2-arylated estrone, estradiol, or estriol depending on the method used.